WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Cherokee Nation's 15^th Warrior Flight departed from Tulsa on Sept. 15, for Washington, D.C., with Cherokee veterans who served during the Vietnam War, Korean War, and the Vietnam Era.

The Cherokee Nation funds the flights for Cherokee veterans to see the national war memorials along with visiting other sites like Arlington National Cemetery.

All veterans on the tribe's 15^th Warrior Flight have been honored in the past with the Medal of Patriotism at the Council of the Cherokee Nation's monthly meeting.

"Cherokees have served alongside or fought for the United States country in every conflict since the early days of the republic," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Our people serve in the U.S. military at greater rates per-capita than any other ethnicities. We can never fully repay the debt we owe them for their sacrifices, but we will find ways to ensure their contributions are never forgotten. This Warrior Flight is one small token of our appreciation."

The veterans were given an honorary hat and vest from Deputy Chief Bryan Warner during a special send-off ceremony at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa prior to their flight to D.C.

"Many Cherokee men and women selflessly served our country to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. I'm deeply grateful that we can offer them such an unforgettable trip," Deputy Chief Warner said.

Cherokee veteran William Albert Smith, 96, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washignton, D.C. Smith served during the Korean War.

Marine veteran Meda Nix, a first-language Cherokee speaker, served during the Vietnam Era.

"I've waited a long time for this. I have not been to D.C. since I was a school kid. I'm so thankful to the Cherokee Nation," said Nix.

During the trip, the veterans have visited monuments throughout the D.C. area, including the World War I and World War II monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, along with other memorials and sites.

"I'm excited to get to see the Vietnam wall. I've got some dear friends with names on it," said Army veteran Richard "Rick" Young, who served four years during Vietnam.

The Warrior Flight will return to Tulsa on Sept. 18 after completing the tour of D.C.

"It means so much to be part of such a special and important trip for our veterans. This is one of many ways our tribal nation honors and appreciates our Cherokee warriors," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

The Cherokee Warrior Flight is similar to the national honor flight organization's goal of helping veterans, willing and able, to see the memorials dedicated in honor of their services.

Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner presents Cherokee veteran Dennis Dale Carson with an honorary hat and vest.

Veterans participating in 2026 Cherokee Warrior Flight include:

Vietnam War

Richard Young, Army, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Robert Bell, Army, of Frisco, Texas

Jimmie Ross, Army, of Hallsville, Texas

George Robert Day, Navy, of Muldrow, Oklahoma

Korean War

William Albert Smith, Army, of Vinita, Oklahoma

Vietnam Era

James Benton, Army, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Meda Nix, Marines, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Dennis Dale Carson, Navy, of Prosser, Washington